Notes and Editorial Reviews

Eugène Ysaÿe was a towering figure in the history of the violin. He also composed a number of important works, most inspirationally the cycle of Six Sonatas for Solo Violin, which rank among the greatest and most demanding of the twentieth century. Each is dedicated to a fellow violinist and friend, whose style of performance and musical preoccupations they reflect. Echoes of Bach are present, as are dance motifs, and virtuoso figuration, reflecting the eminence of the dedicatees.

Tianwa Yang has quickly established herself as a leading international performer and recording artist. She has recorded critically acclaimed interpretations of the complete music for violin and orchestra, and for violin and piano byRead more Sarasate.Read less

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Review: ( 1 Customer Review )

Well played music for Solo Violin by Ms. Yang July 4, 2014By Warren Harris See All My Reviews"This recording consists of the 6 Sonatas for Solo Violin, Op. 27, and a daunting body of music this is. Each of the sonatas is dedicated to a performer that Eugene Ysaye respected and knew, including Joeseph Szigeti, Jacques Thibaud, and Fritz Kreisler. These are fascinating works in that there are elements of Bach present in several of them, and, as indicated in the sparse but informative liner notes, Bachs forms are also evident in several of the works. The compositions themselves are intellectually fulfilling, but the virtuoso dexterity and balance it takes to play these pieces without them sounding lifeless is astonishing, and it is a shame that there is a not a video component here so that we could see Ms. Yang do this. Her playing is deft and delicate and powerful and driven, and it is remarkable what she is able to do. That being said, it almost seems as if there is *something* missing that I cant quite put my finger on  as if there is something uneven here. Her tone, however, is also delightful, part of which has to do with the fact that she is playing on a Petrus Guarni violin from 1729. I was expecting a good, solid musical experience when I first popped this recording into my CD player, and I was not disappointed. The recording quality is also top-notch. I am very pleased to have this recording in my collection, and for those interested in exploring Ysayes music I would definitely recommend it."Report Abuse

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